Jeff's Sporting Life: Organ Grinder MTB XC Marathon Race 2013 @ Canmore (Western National Marathon series) #1

Sunday June 9th, I finished 33rd place out of 43 in Solo Open Men results , Overall I was 58 out of 82 for solo open and master open men category. It took me 4hrs 13mins, (Lap1= 1hr 14mins) (Lap2= 1hr 26mins) (Lap3= 1hr 32mins) I went a total of 36 Kms. Total elevation gain 3,678 Feet. My average heart rate was 165 and max was 190. I earned 58 points in the Western National Marathon series. I had one hour left on the clock but I knew I could not complete another lap in that time. About forty minutes into the race it started to rain light and then a bit harder, it remained this way for most of the race, with about a thirty minute period with sun. The rocks and roots were wet and slick. I stayed in my clips for the bulk of the race exept for the four really technical descents, or I road it part of the way then un clipped. I am very proud I did not quit today with the tough riding conditions, it would have been easy to do so or go put my flat pedals back on. I decided to grind it out and I was enjoying myself and learned alot about my determination. I had a good day. This was my second ever MTB Marathon. The race was held at the Canmore Nordic Centre and the temperature was 9 deg C and raining. A huge thanks to Cyclemeisters for putting on the race and the BBQ chicken sausage hotdog was great and all the volunteers for staying in the rain.